Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Cobia on the Fly - Tips?

Charlie - 

If the heaviest you have is an 8 wt, I might stick to the spinning rod. You'll be pretty outgunned versus any but the smallest cobia. A 10-12 wt is pretty standard for them. A lot of people compare them to tarpon (with less jumping) for a size for size fight. I'm guessing you'll be on a boat? Fly fishing for them is fairly limited to sight fishing which gets pretty limited from the shore. Pop around channel markers and bridge piers. You can usually find them there, but you can definitely find some cruising flatwater too. Use heavy tippet - at LEAST 20 lb - since you'll be bringing a lighter rod. I know many people that don't go lighter than 35 lb even on a 10 wt. I would probably use a heavier shock tippet, too. Remember, these fish can get up to 80 lbs. The nice thing is you don't have to worry too much about spooking them, so you can get pretty close on them before dropping a fly. Just strip fast, and be sure to strip set rather than trout strike him. A pretty common fly for that area is called a "Whistler." There are tons of variations on them, and everyone has their favorite. A lot of tarpon patterns work well for them too, as do many saltwater streamer patterns.

I'll be hitting up the Broad River in SC for them next weekend, so I'm interested to hear how you do!

Jeff

On Thu, May 15, 2014 at 8:55 AM, Charles.Tapp <charles.tapp@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm heading down to Cape Lookout this weekend with some friends to target Cobia. We'll primarily be fishing with spinning rods, but I'm thinking of bringing a fly rod in case the opportunity presents itself. I don't have anything larger than an 8wt with a 9wt intermediate line. I suspect this will be too light for most of the fish, but wanted to get recommendation from the group on flies, tippet, etc. Any advice is appreciated.

Tight lines,

Charlie

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